Quick Summary
Public in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia β King Saud University, est. 1957. Ranked #200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 52300 students including 7% from outside Saudi Arabia. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Dentistry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 20%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
KSU is the first university in Saudi Arabia, offering top-tier research facilities, free education for accepted students, and a direct pipeline to the Saudi labor market.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringPharmacy & PharmacologyDentistryLife SciencesMedicineComputer Science
Founded1957
TypePublic
Total Students52300
Intl Students7%
Faculty Ratio13
CampusUrban
Campus Size10,000,000 sqm
Affiliated HospitalsKing Khalid University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Dental University Hospital
AccreditationNCAAA (National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation), ABET, AACSB
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#251β300
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101-150
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Higher Diploma, Executive Education
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology, Prince Naif Health Research Center, Center of Excellence in Information Assurance
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
NCAAA (National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation), ABET, AACSB
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate20%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL70
Min GPA3.75/5.0
GRERequired for some Graduate Programs
GMATRequired for Business Graduate Programs
SATNot Required (Qudurat/Tahsili preferred for locals)
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline Β· July
SPRINGApplication Deadline Β· December
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on high scores in the General Aptitude Test (Qudurat) and Achievement Test (Tahsili). For international applicants, ensure all documents are attested by the Saudi Embassy.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Saudi Riyal
Living Cost
ο·Ό35,000/yr
per year Β· SAR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
ο·Ό35,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials Β· SAR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$12,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Higher Diploma, Executive Education programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Business Administration | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Computer Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$32,000
Average Salary After Graduation
85%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong
Industry Connections
Saudi AramcoSABICSTCKing Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
Notable Alumni
Mohammed bin Salman (Crown Prince), Khalid al-Falih, Yousef Al-Benyan
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic-sized pool, football stadium, specialized gymnasiums, tennis courts
Student Clubs
Over 50 clubs including Robotics, Debate, Arts, and Entrepreneurship
Library Resources
Prince Salman Central Library (one of the largest in the Middle East)
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available